Audio version:
99.9% of Iowa’s prairies are gone and half of remaining 0.01% are in the Loess Hills. Saving and restoring native prairie land is critical to maintain soil health BUT saving it is remarkably difficult. Technological attempts have failed so Lance Brisbois of Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development has turned to a tried and true approach. Manually picking seed by hand.
Brisbois’ last “Prairie Seed Harvest” for the season is Monday, October 20th. He’s looking for volunteers to walk through nature and pick seed. The seed is used for conservation efforts, grown for sale, and provided to the DNR to maintain soil health. He explains why saving plant species is critical to soil and water quality, and why terrain has prevented technological solutions.
Prairie Harvesting by Hand: Community-Driven Conservation
Brady delves into the mechanics of the harvest events, asking how volunteers manage the terrain and sort plants. Brisbois explains that while some of the Loess Hills are steep and rugged, many collection sites are accessible, and training is provided onsite. Volunteers collect seeds in bags or buckets, often near trails, and many return regularly for the therapeutic experience of being in the prairie at golden hour.
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“People really enjoy it… it’s just therapeutic for a lot of people,” Brisbois shares. The harvested seeds are used in various ways: some are mixed for large-scale restoration by county conservation boards or the Iowa DNR, while others are grown in greenhouses and sold as native plants in spring fundraisers.
The Loess Hills: Iowa’s Conservation Crown Jewel
Much of the conversation centers on the ecological and geological uniqueness of the Loess Hills, a rare landform found only in Iowa and China. These steep bluffs escaped farming due to their terrain, preserving original prairie ecosystems that have been lost elsewhere across the state. Brisbois explains how windblown silt, shaped by glacial meltwaters and prevailing winds, created these remarkable hills — home to species found nowhere else in Iowa.
“Of the remaining 0.1% of Iowa prairie, most of it is in the Loess Hills,” Brisbois notes. He emphasizes the importance of protecting this last stronghold of native grassland, not only for ecological integrity but for soil retention, pollinator habitats, and water quality.
Join the Effort: Final 2025 Seed Harvest Coming Soon
The final prairie seed harvest of the 2025 season is scheduled for Monday, October 20th, and Golden Hills RC&D is encouraging anyone interested in conservation, native plants, or simply a meaningful way to spend time outdoors to participate. No prior experience is necessary — just a willingness to walk, learn, and gather seeds with care.
To volunteer, sign up for events, or explore their ongoing efforts, visit goldenhillsrcd.org/prairieseed. Volunteers also receive updates via social media and newsletters.
Whether you’re a conservation veteran or simply prairie-curious, Brisbois’ message is clear: there’s a role for everyone in protecting Iowa’s natural heritage.